The
British Summer, it is said, normally consists of a couple of fine days and a
thunderstorm, so what has gone wrong (or right)? The last time I can remember
such a sustained period of hot and sunny weather was in 1976, when all records
were broken. Sorry to keep going on about it, but I think it is marvelous that
everyone seems so positive and cheerful when the sun shines.....maybe that's
why the Australians are like they are?
I went to a brilliant BBQ last weekend, at The
Navigation in Gnosall. The garden was packed and the irresistible smell of
sausages cooking wafted through the air. Lots of music as well, as around six
acts entertained the crowds throughout the afternoon, mainly from the
Navigation Open Mic, held every Thursday. A little closer to home, one of our
regulars, Olly Flavell has just resurrected the Open Mic at The Bridge, the
first one held last night. The intention is to hold it fortnightly, on
Thursdays, and I will of course keep you informed.
8.30pm
might seem a little early for a sing song, but first up Richard Evans tested
the water with Dirty Old Town and even if it was a bit too early to sing, at
least the crowd was tapping its feet. He wouldn’t give up however and his next
song had them all joining in with Irish Rover....a very lively start to the
evening.
Jordan
Clempner hasn’t played here for a while and his opener, I’m into Something Good
was recorded at least 30 years before he was born, but he did a great job of
keeping the audience involved. It’s very clear that he has spent a good bit of
time practicing, not only has his stage confidence grown but his voice has also
improved considerably as demonstrated on his version of Ed Sheeran’s A
Team….excellent.
Martyn
Templeton is always guaranteed to please. Summer in the City, and Ooh La La,
the Faces classic were both superb, but my favourite was one of his new songs,
Let Her Go by Passenger, a great version.
Olly
Flavell played a set of his own original compositions including By Your Side
and I’m So in Love With You. His new jazzy direction is original, perfectly
suited to his vocal and his whole stage presence has come on in leaps and
bounds.
One
Nation are a band new to the Navy, but the musicians aren’t strangers. Jon Davies,
ex Jumps, and Karl Pope-Terry bass player with Don’t Luck Larry, have got
together with the vocalist Diane Drummond and drummer Matt Chambers for a very punchy
sound that fuses soul and reggae…..I have never heard Adele played in this way
but it worked well. One of my all-time faves, I Can’t Stand up For Falling
Down, by Elvis Costello followed and was superb…… I am sure we will hear a lot
more from this band.
Alan
Lane, another very experienced musician, up next. He normally supports Sharn
Hodgkinson, but tonight it was Sharn’s daughter Megan who delighted the crowd
on her first outing, showing no sign of nerves. Hallelujah is always a
favourite, and she did a super job, but her closer, Pink’s ‘Try’ was my
highlight of her lovely set.
Our
second band of the evening was a Scratchhouse Band made up of newcomer Pete
Meyrick on bass, Steve Black on drums, Roger Clark on lead guitar and Dave
Whiteman on vocals. It is always a lot of fun when everyone just busks to a
random set list. Songs from the Eagles, Soul Asylum and Stereophonics seemed to
be good choices!
Zac
Christie made a brilliant debut a few weeks ago so expectations were high when
he took to the stage and he did not disappoint. How could he with variety such
as Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding and Radiohead? This young man (he is only 16) has
only been playing in front of an audience for a very short time, but he is
already a very accomplished performer….. his talent is extraordinary and I
predict a great future for him.
Just
enough time to welcome back an old Navy favourite, the silky voiced Zoe
Pinchin. We hardly ever see her, she never practices and she doesn’t
rehearse……but she gets up on stage and just blows people away with that
fantastic voice. Songs from Crowded House, Norah Jones and Police showed just
what a great range she has.
So
another superb evening of live music enjoyed by the 60 or so crowd. More music
tonight (Fri) at the club as The Business play live, supported by the excellent
Mellissa Walford. Tickets are £3 at the door and all proceeds to charity. See
you next week, keep it live!
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